Wednesday, February 15th Read Pencils, Erasers and Disqualifications Chapter Answer the following questions on your page Use complete sentences 1. Describe Reynie Reyine is a smart child but he's an oddball from the kids is his orphanage. He's an oddball because he doesn't like to watch television or listen to radio, he rather spend his day reading books.
2. On page five, it states that Reynie looked for solitude and freedom from persecution. What does this mean? Use evidence from the text to support your answers. Reynie looked for solitude and freedom from persecution because at the dinner table, Reyine got picked on for using the word "enjoyable" so he went to his reading room to be alone and so he wouldn't be picked on because no one went into the reading room.
3. Why would Reynie break his pencil in half for someone that he didn't even know? He broke his pencil for someone he didn't even now because Reyine felt sorry for her because she wouldn't be able to take the test and no one would help her they just said sorry to her. He did what he thought was right.
4. On page 17, it states that Reynie, "felt the weight of loneliness upon him." Why? What happened, use evidence to support your answers. Reynie felt the weight of loneliness upon him because he helped Rhonda get a pencil so she offered him a thank you by telling him she had the answers and she would give it to him, but he rejected and felt lonely again.
5. Is cheating ever okay? How and why did Reynie resist the temptation? Cheating is more of an opinion but if you wanted to prove to yourself that you can something you shouldn't cheat. I think you shouldn't cheat because in a way, your letting yourself down, but people can say something different.
6. Why are rules made? Why are those so many rules in chapter one? Rules are made because you need something to follow or guide you and you have to do it a certain way by a rule. There are so many rules because these tests are to see how talented you really are, the tests aren't fun and games. There are so many rules in chapter one to show you how strict the people are and hard of the tests ans they want to see what children really can go for the special opportunities.
Friday, February 17th Read Buckets and Spectacles, Squares and Arrows and The Trouble with Children or, Why They are Necessary? Answer the following questions on your page Use complete sentences
1. Reynie says he doesn't like television. Do you believe him? Why or why not? I believe that Reyine doesn't like to watch television because he is a different from the other children, but in a good way. He's different because he would rather spend his day reading and studying highschool textbooks. He seems to be more independent then the other kids and smarter.
2. Why is it important for this team to work together? It's important for the kids to work together because they all have different skills. Reyine can notice things, like puzzles. Kate can use her bucket supplies to help her get through the mazes and tests that they have assinged them. Then there's Sticky, when he reads anything, it sticks in his brain so his smartness would come in handy along the way.
3. At the beginning of the chapter Rhonda doesn't seem upset at all - why? Rhonda didn't seem upset in the beginning of the book because she was all part of test to see if you could pass without cheating on it. She was happy to see that Reyine could pass the test without cheating.
4. Describe Kate and Sticky. Who do you think are the protagonist and antagonist of the story so far? Kate is very headstrong, she can do many things with her handy tools in her bucket. Sticky can remember anything he reads but he is very shy and not very confident but he can be a trusted person. I think the protagonist is Reynie because he's always making things right and he cheers people on. I think the antagonist would be Reynie orphan roommates because they can't except except Reynie for who he is.
1. What is the most important test the children passed in order to be selected? The most important test the children must of passed was to see if they would cheat on the test in favor of helping Rhonda get her pencil and if they did cheat they wouldn't pass, they should call the test "Are you nice in the heart?"
2. How are they tested? They are tested to see how they notice things, how they react to things and what skills do they have. They want to see how they can is certain situations know matter what it is.
3. Why doesn’t it seem to matter that all the children solve the problem in a different way? It seems that it doesn't matter that the children solve problems in different ways because then in a situation if one way doesn't work another will, they can figure out things different ways.
4. What is narcolepsy? How does this affect Mr. Benedict? Narcolepsy is a symptoms that makes you fall asleep uncontrollably. It affects Mr. Benedict whenever he gets real emotional, like when he laughs or cries.
5, Where is Zambia? Find out two interesting facts about this place. Zambia is a state in southern Africa. Zambia is a little larger than Texas, it has an area of 752,614 square kilometers. Also cotton is a key crop, it pays a lot to the person who is selling it.
6. Is Bembi a real language? No, Bembi is not a real language, if you try to look for it in a dictionary, you won't find it in there.
7. Why do you think Mr. Benedict wants this group of children for an important assignment? Mr. Benedict wants these children for his important assignment because they don't have parents how would say no to them. Also because they are qualified to go out about for the mission from the tests they took.
8. What does the word " vexed" mean and how is it used in these two chapters? The word "vexed" means annoy and in the last chapter, the pencil woman doesn't give out answers that good and also when Constance joined, she can't be quiet and she "annoys" the people around her.
Great answers Amanda!
Due Monday, February 20th
Monday, February 20th Read The Sender and The Messenger Answer the following questions on your page Use complete sentences 1.With so much in common, Kate, Reynie, Sticky, and Constance still have dissimilar traits. What are the traits they possess that bring them together? What brings the children together is how they can comprehend information on what they are given, like Kate and her tools, Reynie can tell if something is a puzzle and notices things easily, Sticky and his intelligence but we are not so sure yet on Constance, but we do know is she says what comes to her mind without thinking.
2. What causes discord among the team members? The discord among the team is they all figure out things in different ways, they all have different strategies on solving things. Also their personalities are different, Sticky is shy and gets nervous easily, Kate is fearless and bold, Constance is rude and says what she wants to, and Reynie is not shy but not fearless like Kate, so if they were ever in a situation some people might not want to do things like others would.
3. What in their backgrounds and family life is similar? What is dissimilar? The children backgrounds are similar because they don't have official parents or relatives to look after them. The dissimilar backgrounds is they don't have parents in different ways, Kate's mom died and her dad left her, Reynie's parents died, we don't know all about Constance and Sticky, but Mr. Benedict said the reason why he choose these kids because they don't have parents to tell them "no" that they can't take the assignment.
4. How do the likenesses play a role in their assignment? The likenesses plays a role in their assignment because they have certain skills to play a role in the mission, like smartness is many ways or that they don't do stuff that others do that would make the others not be able to join the team because of what they do.
Due Wednesday, February 22nd
Wednesday, February 22nd Read Codes and Histories, The Thing to Come and The Naming of the Crew Due Tuesday, February 28th 1. Why do you think that Mr. Benedict is telling the children to pay attention to what the Institute doesn't teach? I think Mr. Benedict is telling the children to pay attention to what the Institute doesn't teach because they can figure out any suspicious activity about the Institute that might stand out and it could help them learn stuff about the area.
2. What is Morse code? Who invented this communication system and what was it used for? Morse code is a way to communicate with someone with a message that uses dots or dashes from the letters of the alphabet or numbers. It's can now be used with lights. The inventor of the Morse code was Samuel Morse.
3. Mr. Benedict on page 119 states, "Whether you always agree is inconsequential,..." What does this mean? How does this fit into the definition of a team? The word inconsequential means you might not always agree with each other and that fits the team because they do or solve situations differently from one an other and sometimes they might not agree how to do a situation together and that could cause some problems.
4. When Sticky tells about his background, he says that philanthropists began sending his parents money, what are philanthropists? It also says that Sticky was astonished and mortified - about what? Philanthropists are people who donate money to people they think are needy and need something to help them and they do so by donating. Sticky was astonished and mortified because he wanted to see how his parents would react to him being missing and in return they were happy he was gone because they were getting so much money from people who thought Sticky was talented and were sorry for their loss.
5. Constance had a breakthrough on page 124, describe this event. Constance breakthrough was the team was talking that the Morse code should be called the remorse code because they were all in a down mood about there lives, then Constance asked what remorse meant, Sticky answered so she called him George Washington and he asked her to stop so she fled the yard.
6. Milligan has amnesia and wears disguises - why One day, Milligan woke up, he was chained in place and he couldn't remember anything that happened in the past all he knew is he had to get out. He did escape but sense he didn't remember anything and an enemy saw him that he didn't recognize, he's prepared by wearing a disguise.
7. At the end of the chapter, Milligan couldn't look at the children - why? Milligan couldn't look at the children because he finished his story about the Sender and the kids were asking if he thought they could stop him and he didn't give them an answer, he probably didn't know what to say at the time so he decided not to answer or he doubted the four kids.
8. What is the "unintended consequence" mentioned on page 135? The "unintended consequence" is the voices sent from the sender is just a side affect that you would remember.
9. Describe the Sender. The Sender is someone who is very smart but mysterious in a way. He's smart because he figured out how to use children to send messages to people and mysterious because he can get away with it without people noticing.
10. Why was Reynie doubting his trust for Mr. Benedict? Reynie was doubting his trust for Mr. Benedict because he didn't want to believe that there was someone sending messages to people from children, it was all so new to him, he didn't want to believe him about the messages.
11. What does the word "forged" mean on page 136? The word "forged" means to be formed or shaped into something so the children is coming together and being formed as a team together.
12. Again, why do you think that Constance is an important part of the team? Your answer should reflect change from the last time we discussed this. I Think Constance is an important part of the team because she's not afraid what to say, but sometimes she says things without thinking about what it is she really is saying. She also is fairly tiny, which could become useful, but I don't know for sure. Also Constance can get on people's nerve's because she says stuff which could become useful because then she could make someone get caught off guard.
13. Why is Mr. Benedict commonly found on the floor? Mr. Benedict is on the floor commonly, especially when no one is in the room with him, is because if he gets strong emotion, he'll fall asleep from his narcolepsy.
14. How could Constance be the key to the team's success? Constance could be the team's key to success is because she doesn't seem to notice what other people think of her and she doesn't care what she says to people so she's strong and, in away, brave.
15. On page 143, why is Reynie thanking Mr. Benedict? Reynie is thanking Mr. Benedict because he wanted to thank him giving him an opportunity to do something so special and something that they never be able to do before and he wanted to say thanks for everything he did for them and being honest.
16. What is The Mysterious Benedict Society? The Mysterious Benedict Society is a name that the four children came up with, sense they are agents they thought they needed names and Constance came up with it, and then walked out of the room like it was the perfect name, which it was.
Tuesday, February 28th Read Nomansan Island and Traps and Nonsense Due Thursday, March 1st Normansan Island
1. How are you enjoying this book so far? What questions do you currently have about this book that you think will be answered as we continue with the book? Yes, I'm enjoying the book so far because when I'm done with the assigned chapters, I find myself wanting to keep reading. I wonder if any of the team members can interpret the messages from the Sender. I also wonder if Sticky would become a messenger because he is very intelligent so he could be at the top his class.
2. Who are the executives and what is their job? What's the difference between a messenger and an executive? The executives are the people who show the new students around and introduce the students to people. Also they are in charge of the place. A messenger is a child who sends out the secret messages and they have to be top of their class, were and executive is a person who is in charge and introduces students in their new surroundings.
3. Describe Jackson and Jillson. What do you think their role is in this book? Jackson and Jillson seem like they are inpatient and have an attitude that's crabby a lot. Also they act around the kids that they don't like waiting for them to answer their questions, they answer it for them. Another detail I have noticed between them is they seem like they have a inside secret about the Institute. I think Jackson and Jillson make sure the children don't wander around and cause trouble and get into anything their not suppose too.
4. On page 160 it states that Kate was, "trying to prove she didn't need anyone's help and this was easiest to believe when she was doing what she was good at." What do you think this means? What I think Kate is "trying to prove she didn't need anyone's help and this was easiest to believe when she was doing what she was good at" means that she can keep her mind off of being an orphan when she knows shes doing something right and she can enjoy is so she doesn't have to think about her parents leaving her.
5. The end of the chapter ends with a cliff-hanger. What is a cliff-hanger and why it important? A cliff-hanger is when the author has the chapter end sudden and it leaves you with many questions and you would have to keep reading to get your answers. I think cliff-hangers are important because then you can re-think what just happened and you can then infer what might happen next.
Traps and Nonsense
6. Why do you think there was a trap disguised with a plant on top? Do you think this will be important later in the book? What is that called when an author gives you clues as to what is going to occur further into the book? I think there was a trap on top of a plant because if someone were to be lurking around in the woods, and they weren't suppose to, they would fall into the pit and get hurt. I think this is important because Mr. Benedict and his staff are always watching in the woods and they might fall into the pit. When a author gives you hints on what's to come later on is foreshadowing.
7. Who are the Helpers? The Helpers are people who keep the Institute clean and they make food for the students. They don't talk much, unless you ask them questions. After awhile, you wouldn't notice them.
8. On page 166, the phrase "Whatever floats your boat," is an idiom. What is an idiom and what does this phrase mean? Idiom's are phrases that exaggerates stuff but in a different way, for example: It's raining cats and dogs. "Whatever floats your boat," means that you do what makes you pleased, like what would you put on your boat that keeps you from sinking.
9. What do you think about the Institute having no rules? How is this statement contradicted? I think about the Institute not having rules means it's more freedom to you but the workers are really seeing how you act to not having anything to follow. This statement is contradicted because you do have to follow a schedule and certain time limits.
10. What is a free market? Why do they have to memorize a chant about the free market? The free market is were separate businesses can run their business the way they would like to against competitors. They have to memorize a chant about the free market so they can understand it and know what to say when they become messengers.
Vocabulary Words for you to look up:
fate and diminutive size from page 152
arduous from page 164
fate: Fate is the fortune for someone or something, something that is to happen for someone that they can't avoid
diminutive: is the opposite of large or big, it means to be small, tiny or little
arduous: difficult, takes a lot of force
Thursday, March 1st Read Beware the Gemini Due Monday, March 5th Answer the following questions and make sure that you have put part of each question into each answer.
1. On page 174 it states that the new kids always felt "conspicuous," what does this word mean? The word "conspicuous," means that something or someone is very easy to read or something about them is noticeable.
2. What are the "recruiters" and "Institute scouts" that they are referring to? The "recruiters" and "Institute scouts" that they are referring to is men in suites and Reynie thinks that these men kidnap children.
3. What clues are mentioned in the book that might suggest that the new arrivals might have been kidnapped? Use text evidence in your answer. In the book, it shows that the new arrivals might of been kidnapped because there face expressions looked "dazed" and they looked to be unhappy and not excited as the others kids seemed to be filled with joy.
4. Describe Mr. Curtain. Mr. Curtain uses children for his own use, he makes you scared of him and he acts like you knows all about you when he might not. He has evil schemes about sending messages to other people by using children.
5. Could Mr. Curtain and Mr. Benedict be the same person? Mr. Curtain and Mr. Benedict can not be the same person because otherwise Mr.Curtain would have recognized the four team members in the get together. Also in a Morse code message they got, it said that one might like someone you know but it's not them. Also they have two different personalities. Mr. Benedict is easy to be around, he likes children, and he seems like he knows you in a comforting way. Mr. Curtain uses children for his own use, he makes you scared of him and he acts like you knows all about you.
6. Why would everything be backwards at the institute? What might their reasons for this be? At the Institute, everything is backwards because it can make something harder to notice, it's not obvious. Also it's a different way of showing things.
7. What does the word "sasquatch" mean that is mentioned on page 179? The word "sasquatch" because Kate was joking around saying that the executive S.Q. means "sasquatch," maybe because he's a bigger person.
8. What is a cryptic message and why would this be important? A cryptic message is a message that needs to be solved and it can be puzzling. This is important because then if anyone were to see the message, it would be hard for them to solve it unless if they heard the first part.
9. On page 184 it states, "As is always the case with a society, some arguing remained to be done." Is this true and why might this be important to all societies? This is true because then you can here some other peoples ideas to solve a situation but it might not be done in the most proper way.
10. What is "gemini" and why is this word important to this chapter? According to Reynie in a simple form is it's your zodiac sign from when your born and the Gemini sign is a twin.
Monday, March 5th Read Lessons Learned and People and Places to be Avoided Answer the following questions and make sure that you have put part of each question into each answer. Due Wednesday, March 7th
1. Why do you think that no mirrors can be found at the Institute? There are no mirrors in the Institute because if someone who just got brain washed and looked at themselves in the mirror, they might get their memory back and then they would tell people and Mr. Curtain does not want that to happen.
2. Find the idiom on page 188 and explain what it means. The idiom on this page is "a stitch in time saves nine" this means that if you want something to get done, do it. Don't hold it off! That's what you would do with a whole in clothing, you don't want it to get worse.
3. What do you think of the statement, found on page 189, "Because it was impossible, in the end, to protect yourself from anything - no matter how hard you tried - it was important to try as hard as you could to protect yourself from everything." What does it mean in the story and what does it mean in life? This means, in the book, that you should be prepared for anything and if you try to avoid something, it will happen. In life, this means you can't avoid everything it will happen but try your hardest to get through with it.
4. Why would SQ say she was "astounded or astonished" when Sticky and Reynie had received perfect scores? Why would this upset Martina? S.Q. said she was "astounded or astonished" when Sticky and Reynie had received perfect scores because they were new to the school and she was very impressed to see how they had gotten such perfect scores. Martina got upset about this because she is a messenger and when someone gets perfect scores, they can get higher then her and take away her special privileges.
5. What lessons had the kids learned in this chapter? What would this chapter be named, "Lessons Learned?" The lesson learned in this chapter is stay away from Martina and that they learned more about the Institute.
People and Places to be Avoided
6. The Helpers "averted" their eyes and had a "constant show of deference," why and what does this mean? The Helpers made sure not to make eye contact with the students and they were making sure that they followed the orders of Mr. Curtain of not socializing with children. They were doing there orders very well, in a polite way.
7. Why do you think that Mr. Curtain often was looking toward the bridge and off into the distance? I think Mr. Curtain often gazes toward the bridge because it brings him memories, allows him to think and see what's going on on the bridge.
8. On page 201 it says that the corridor erupted into a "cacophony," what does this mean? A "cacophony" means a harsh and loud sound. This happened when Corliss got sent to the waiting room, and when he left the corridor, everyone was talking about it.
9. Why wouldn't the students want to go to the Waiting Room? Use text evidence to support your answer. After Corliss left, some students started crying when they heard the two words: Waiting Room, this must mean it's a terrible place were no one wanted to go. Maybe there is something, like a rumor, about the waiting room that gets everyone talking about it.
Wednesday, March 7th Read Logical Conclusions and Miscalculations and Poison Apples/Poison Worms and A Surprising Suggestion Answer the following questions and make sure that you have part of each question into each answer. Due Friday, March 9th 1. What does the simile "his eyelids felt heavy as anvils" mean? The simile means that when when you get tired, it's harder for you to keep your eyes open and it seems like your eyes start to close on themself. Your eyelids feel like there are weights on top and they're trying to close.
2. On page 210, Jackson stated, "You can say whatever you like when you have permission, right now no one has permission." What is he referring to? On page 210 Jackson is referring to that some children were talking without being called on as there permission so some students, Sticky, tried to explained what happened but Jackson told him that he didn't have permission.
3. On page 211, Sticky could feel the "malice," what does this mean? Sticky felt malice on him because he knew Martina was looking at him and the word "malice" means to want to cause harm. 4. Why is this chapter called Logical Conclusions and Miscalculations? During the Institue drills, the executives say that there drills have "Logical Conclusions." The "Miscaculations" part to it is Jackson blamed Sticky for stuff he didn't do.
5. How does fruit fit in with the discussion of taxes, war, health, the justice system.....? Fruit can relate to the justice system, taxes, war and health because it look nice and perfect on the outside but on the inside it could be a mess or poisonous on the inside.
6. The symbol poison apples, poison worms refers to what? Poison apples, poison worms refers to the last question on taxes, war, health and the justice system.
7. Reynie looked at the literal meaning of being poisoned, was he wrong? Explain your reasoning. Yes, Reynie was wrong because he thought Martina had told the Helpers to poison the MBS food but it was just the drill and it was in the hidden messages.
8. On page 216, it states that, "Most of us will simple feel irritable and confused." Have you heard this before? Where and what were they referring to? Yes, I have heard "Most of us will simple feel irritable and confused," Mr. Benedict had told the children that when a hidden message goes out, the kids will feel that way until the message is over.
9. Mr. Benedict told the children that their love for the truth will protect them, what does this mean? Mr.Benedict means that when a hidden message goes out, they will feel frustrated but it won't affect them after and they won't believe the messages. Also they will be good students and get a lot of information quickly.
10. Why can Constance hear the Messenger's voice? I feel like Constance has some troubles with emotions so she's sensitive and cranky a lot so she can hear the messages rather than just feeling them. 11. Explain the response the children got from the mainland on page 219. The message they got was a riddle again. The riddle meant that they were short on time to get information so they needed to become messengers fast and in order to do that, they needed the girls scores to improve. To make the girls scores to improve they had to cheat. To make sure, they asked if they should cheat and in response, "Do not get caught."
12. Why is it so important that the children become Messengers as quickly as possible? Mr. Benedict thought that the team had more to time to get information but he was wrong. He needed them to become messengers fast so they could get information on the Institute.
13. What does the word "evasively" mean at the bottom of page 222? The word "evasively" means to avoid and at that moment Kate was avoiding to get into a fight with Constance.
14. Why couldn't Charlie explain about the special privileges? Charlie couldn't explain his special privileges because he said he didn't remember it, it was foggy to him and he didn't know what happened. Sticky and Reynie thought that he might of been brainwashed.
Friday, March 9th Read Tests and Invitations and Everything as it Should Be Answer the following questions and make sure that you have part of each question into each answer. Due Monday, March 12th
1. Why was Reynie jealous? Reynie was jealous because when the new messenger list went out, he wasn't on the list and he thought he was doing so well and he was for sure he would make it on the list but he wasn't and he felt very envy to get onto the list. He also wanted to know what the special privileges were like that all the messengers loved.
2. On page 236, it says that Mr. Curtain rolled his chair almost "imperceptibly", what does this mean? The word "imperceptibly" means very slightly and Mr. Curtain was moving towards Reynie very slightly but very close to him.
3. "If you don't trust them, keep them close." What does this mean and why would Reynie say this statement? "If you don't trust them, keep them close," means that if you don't trust someone you should give them a chance and see who they are, see how they act. Reynie said this because Mr. Curtain was getting very suspicious about Constance so Reynie knew he had to protect her and he came up with "If you don't trust them, keep them close."
4. What is a sense of "deja vu?" (page 238) The sense of "deja vu" is when you feel like you have seen a moment before and something seems very familiar.
5. "Control is always the key." What is this supposed to mean? Control is the key because if you don't have it, things don't go the way you plan, it goes probably the opposite way. To have control means everything goes the way you want.
Monday, March 12th Read Of Families Lost and Found and Tactical Caciupi Answer the following questions and make sure that you have part of each question into each answer. Due Wednesday, March 14th
1. Why is this chapter called Of Families Lost and Found? This chapter is called Of Families Lost and Found because because Reynie felt like he lost his family but in the end, he gained with his close friendship with the MBS.
2. On page 254, it states, "What has been lost may yet be found, Have hope." What does this message from the mainland mean? Mr. Benedict sended that message and he was saying from the information the team got out of Mr. Curtain journal could still be proved. Also that memories from the brain washed victims could still have a chance on getting there memories back.
3. Respond to Reynie's idea of what a family might be all about, "I have no experience, but well, is this what family is like? The feeling that everyone's connected, that with one piece missing the whole thing's broken?" Reynie's explanation is right, if someone leaves or dies in a family, it feels open and and broken not a satisfying feeling and it takes along to time to fix the feeling. Yet some people never do. The way I would say it is, what's a glass without a bottom, it leaks?
4. On page 257, it, "family is often born of blood, but it doesn't depend on blood." What does this mean? The way I think of it is you have brother and sisters that were born in the same family. But then you have someone who acts like a brother or sister, but yet, they weren't born in the family, their not blood related. Sometimes people refer to their best-friend as a long lost sister or brother.
5. What was the cliff hanger in the chapter Of Families Lost and Found? The cliff-hanger in this chapter was when Reynie had an idea to look into Mr. Curtain's journal without taking it.
6. Why do you think that family is such an important theme that is woven in and out of almost each chapter? Family is important in these chapters because all the kids were abandoned in their lives and now they all are growing a strong relationship between each other like a family would do.
7. What does "Tactical Caciupi" mean and why would the author name this chapter that title? "Tactical Caciupi" means something to do with a plan like Reynie had. His plan was to get into Mr. Curtain's book.
8. Why would Mr. Curtain say that one of his biggest accomplishments would be the invention of his tidal turbines? Explain what these are and how might they be used on the island. The tidal turbines was his source of the Institutes that he runs. Without them, there would be no way to run all of his Institutes without the turbines.
9. What was Kate using her spy glass/kaleidoscope for? Kate was using her spy glass/kaleidoscope to look into Mr. Curtain's journal to see whats inside.
10. Knowing Sticky's talents, what do you think he is being used for when it comes to the journal? Sticky was used to look in the journal because he remembers everything so when he looked he could just tell the team members later.
11. On page 267, the first entry is read and one part states, "There is no such thing as perfect control. I have come to understand, however, that the illusion of perfect control can amount to the same thing." What does this mean and what implications might this have on the story? Mr. Curtain knows he can't have complete control over someone but by lying he can trick who ever he has control over them. Mr. Curtain's type of control is power.
12. How can you have an illusion of control? An illusion of control could work by brain sweeping and then tricking the person that you are the ruler.
13. Explain "brainsweeping." Brain sweeping is when you take away someones memory of an event or their whole memory. Some how they could get it back though.
14. Why aren't the special recruits every scared? The special recruits aren't scared because they can't remember what happened to them so they just go with the flow. They have been brain washed.
15. What do you think the "improvement" is that they are talking about on page 270? I think the improvement is when Mr. Curtain will boost up the hidden messages to full power and everyone will here it.
16. What do you think his message on page 272 means? I think his message means one of his brain washing sangs to the Helpers, so they will listen to him.
Wednesday, March 14th Read Caught in the Act and The Waiting Room Answer the following questions and make sure that you have part of each question into each answer. Due Friday, March 16th
1. Why is this chapter called, "Caught in the Act?" This chapter is called "Caught in the Act" because Jillison saw Sticky rubbing his ears and tapping his fingers so she suspected that he was cheating. Sticky got caught cheating.
2. On page 277 it says, "precipice." What does this mean and how is it used in the sentence? The word "precipice means a situation of danger or loss. In the sentence it's used on how Reynie feels about Sticky going to the Waiting Room.
3. Why were Reynie, Kate and Constance trying to climb the wall? Reynie, Kate and Constance were trying to climb the wall because they were wondering what the executives were doing in the gym and why wouldn't they let the kids come in.
4. Again, it mentions the "improvement." Any clues as to what this might be? The "improvement" seems to be when Mr. Curtain sends out his messages at full blast and he won't be needing as much executives anymore.
5. On page 282, the word "ominous" is used. What does this word mean and how is it used in the sentence? The word "ominous" means to do so with harm. It's used in the sentence as an adjective when the recruiters and executives were trying to get out the back door but they couldn't, so they banged on it with harmful force.
The Waiting Room
6. Describe Sticky as he came out of the Waiting Room. When Sticky came out of the waiting room, he was covered in mud and slimy and disgusting bugs! He smelled of a awful odor. He seemed to be very sad but still angry at the same time.
7. Why wouldn't Sticky talk after he came out? I think Sticky didn't talk when he came out because he was very upset from being sent to a horrible place (no one should ever be sent to a place like that). He also seemed stunned, almost as if he was reliving the moment again and again.
8. List the main characters and what they have to offer to a "team." Why might this be important to the rest of the book?
(Reynie, Constance, Kate and Sticky) The main characters in the book are Reynie, Constance, Kate, Sticky, Mr. Benedict and Mr. Curtain. Reynie is important to the team because he's intelligent and a strong leader. Constance can be good at moments because she can be very stubborn. Kate is bold and energetic and she is very handy with her surroundings. Sticky can remember everything he sees. Mr. Benedict is the one who started the team together and make them act like a family. Mr. Curtain seems to keep the team together because they all want to destroy him.
9. What was the main idea for this chapter? Give two supporting details. One of the main ideas in this chapter is how the kids act like a family. I believe this is true because when Sticky came back to the room form the Waiting Room, Reynie wanted to comfort him. Another main idea is how the team can still stay focused. Even after what they have been through, when Sticky came back, Reynie had another plan.
Friday, March 16th Read Punishments and Promotions and Half a Riddle Answer the following questions and make sure that you have part of each question into each answer. Due Monday, March 19th 1. What was the dilemma that Sticky was facing with Mr. Curtain? What would you have done? The dilemma that Sticky and Mr. Curtain had was Sticky had to confess on cheating on the test but he made it seem like he was forced to cheat by Martina and not give out the MBS. Sense Reynie told Sticky a plan, I would of done what the plan was because I wouldn't want to hurt my friends and make sure I wouldn't blow the whole mission.
2. State Mr. Curtain's view on the idea of "control." Mr. Curtain's type of control is power. He likes to make sure everything he does is down so you don't have any control, brain sweeping, lying, etc.
3. Why do you think that Sticky got off the hook for cheating and Reynie got off the hook for lying? I think Sticky and Reynie got off the hook for what they have done is because Mr. Curtain must think that something good comes out of them so he's going to let them stay and no punishment for them.
4, On page 304 it states that Martina's face, "shone with malevolence," what does this mean and how does that apply to this sentence? The word "malevolence" means she wants to do or show harm towards the students at the Institute. This fits in the sentence because she will think the other students will be jealous of her new job and now she will be cruel to the students who diss obey her.
5. Why would Martina be promoted to Executive? Give reasons and your thinking as to why. He would promote Martina to an Executive because Reynie told him, if you don't trust them, keep them close. Now MR. Curtain can watch over her and make sure she's close to him.
6. What does it mean when Mr. Curtain says that the "best way of dealing with those you don't trust is to keep them close." Reynie said this and now so has Mr. Curtain - what do you think this means for the both of them? I think "best way of dealing with those you don't trust is to keep them close," means between Reynie and Mr. Curtain is that he can trust Reynie and he likes his ideas.
7. Why did Mr. Curtain make Sticky and Reynie messengers? I think Sticky and Reynie are Messengers because Mr. Curtain sees something in the boys he doesn't see in other students. This is because they ace all the tests when they just got to the Institute, he probably thinks there something special about them.Any other reasons, make sure we talk about this one as a group. YES!! I'm changing it but I'm keeping the old. Mr. Curtain made Reynie and Sticky messengers because he doesn't trust them. One day four new students come on the same day, all very close, strange right? Two of the four are acing all the tests. Mr. Curtain introduces to one of the children who aces all their tests, Reynie, that Constance (one of the new students who is close to Reynie and Sticky) that she is harder to trust. Reynie then tells them, if you don't trust them keep them close, that must make MR. Curtain suspicious about the four kids so he makes it so they become messengers because he doesn't trust them.
8. The coded message read: With open eyes now you may find A place you must exit to enter. Where one ----
What do you think this message might mean? Give reasons for your thinking. I think it means they have left behind being students (exiting an old job) and now there messengers (entering a whole new place) but it might be hard to handle, it could be a tip of some sort.
Monday, March 19th Read The Whisperer and Open Sesame Answer the following questions and make sure that you have part of each question into each answer. Due Wednesday, March 21st 1. At the beginning of the chapter, Reynie has a dream. What do you think the dream means? I think the dream means that Reynie really misses Ms. Perumal. He also doesn't like the way he gets treated by the Executives at the Institute and he might even be scared to face The Whisperer.
2. On page 314, it states that Reynie and Sticky shook hands "resolutely," what does this mean and how does it fit into the sentence? When Stick and Reynie shook hands "resolutely" it means they shook hands firmly.
3. On page 315, Jackson refers to Sticky or George as "dimwitted," what does this mean and how does it fit into the sentence? Jackson refereed to Sticky (George) as "dimwitted" because Sticky wanted to know what about their classes. Jackson told him the classes are for training for the Whisperer, lessons. He called him "dimwitted" because he thought it was obvious that that's why they had classes.
4. Why couldn't the boys know the way to the Whispering Gallery? The boys couldn't know the way to the Whispering Gallery because then they could go there when ever they felt like it. They could ruin something or figure out something about it that they are not supposed to know about.
5. Describe the Whispering Gallery. The Whispering Gallery is very large, but on the inside, it doesn't have much detail to it. It had only a single desk, two resting cushions to lay on after your session and an odd looking machine. According to Reynie's point of view, he says the odd looking machine looks like an old hair dryer with two helmets: one red one blue.
6. On page 317, it states that the Whispering Gallery is so "austere," what does this mean? The word austere means strict and the Whispering Gallery is just that. There is nothing fancy about the gallery, and Mr. Curtain reason is for security.
7. Again the idea of control comes up over and over, why? The idea of MR. Curtain's control is power. He thinks when his improvement is unleashed, he will have power over everyone.
8. Describe what The Whispering can do and not do. The Whisper makes you "fills you with an astonishing sense of well-being." It takes away your fears, like a parent when you have nightmares. (I think that this affects Reynie most because he never had parents to run to so now he some place to be comforted.) The Whisper cannot force you into anything or demand you to do something, it's job is to relax you not force you to anything.
9. On page 319, when Renyie states that, "They go down easier, like candy rather than medicine." What is he talking about? Reynie is referring to the Whisper on how someone would rather have candy then medicine. It's not scary or hard to through, you might even enjoy it.
10. On page 319 it refers to "inputting data," what is this? Mr. Curtain was talking about how he is giving information to peoples minds that he finds is important for people to know and it's all about there improvement. Mr. Curtain is really just broadcasting the messages.
11. On page 321, it states, "poison apples, poison worms," again - now what is this referring to? Why is this phrase repeated throughout the book? This is referring to how some things and subjects can look all polished but on the inside, it's all messy and tricky on the inside. That is how Mr. Curtain runs his Institute, he lies to make you think he's smart and the go to guy when it's all a trick.
12. On the last page of The Whisperer" it ends with Sticky saying, "Not being wanted, not being wanted at all," what was the question? The question what do you fear most. Sticky must mean when he over heard his parents saying they were better off with out him and he felt unwanted.
13. Why didn't Reynie want to sit and eat with the rest of the messengers? What excuse did he give the messenger? Reynie didn't sit with the other messengers because he had a lot of news to discuss with the MBS. He said to them that he had the flu and he didn't want to get the other messengers sick.
14. On page 333, when Constance says that Reynie is "on," what does this mean? Constance means that Reynie Whisper session is being broadcasted right that moment. Which that means Mr. Curtain is recording his sessions...... It goes right in with the Improvement.
15. How do we know that Mr. Curtain will be done with the Messengers after "the Improvement?" We know that Mr. Curtain will be done with Messengers for the Improvement because now Mr. Curtain can record the sessions so now he doesn't need to keep having sessions, he can send the messages over and over whenever he wants to. The more the book goes on, the more info Mr. Curtain gets about his "Whisper."
16. What are the clues about the trap? The clues are all about the rules. "Don't go off the paths" which means they want you to go off the paths so you can't find anything about the Institute because to get into the control building is on the paths, the boulders are on the paths.
17. How did the kids figure out the code? S. Q. left a note saying "LOSE the new code? Turn OVER for new code!" Reynie noticed that the LOSE and OVER was a hint that you had to turn the paper upside down. Then the letters LOSE spell out the numbers 3507. That was suppose to be S. Q. way of being "clever."
Wednesday, March 21st Read Practice Makes Perfect and Know Thine Enemy Answer the following questions and make sure that you have part of each question into each answer. Due Friday, March 23rd
1. Why is this chapter called "Practice Makes Perfect?" The chapter is called "Practice makes Perfect" because they all had to act fast to not get caught by Mr. Curtain when they were looking for clues. They have been in these situations a lot so they know what they all are doing as a team.
2. Why would the government press releases be dated for the future? Mr. Curtain has made these press releases dated to the future because this is what he thinks people are going to think of him when the "Improvement" comes out.
3. What does the article and page 346/347 mean? Mr. Curtain has made that article to honor himself and he feels like people will follow that on how he proposed himself to the world. He thinks that his Whisperer machine will help him go famous.
4. Why would Mr. Curtain want to create fear in everyone? Mr. Curtain wants to create fear in everyone because then he have them come over, tryout his "Whisper." When the person who has the fear will no longer have that fear when they are sitting in the "Whisper's" seat, they will feel comforted. Then that person will think Mr. Curtain is the greatest man alive. Mr. Curtain is creating an illusion.
5. Why would Mr. Curtain want to put together an Amnesia Sanctuary? Mr. Curtain would put together an Amnesia Sanctuary because it would be his "cover up" if anyone comes to his Institute and saw the Whisperer, he would brain sweep them.
6. Why is this chapter called, "Know Thine Enemy?" The chapter is called "Know Thine Enemy" because Mr. Benedict sent a message saying "Know Thine Enemy" because he had sent Milligan for the kids. They referred Milligan as an enemy because he was dressed up as a recruiter which are the teams enemies because they work badly for the Institute. Mr. Curtain has sent the MBS a friend in disguise.
7. What is the "memory terminal?" The "memory terminal" is a place filled with Whisperer parts so he could send it through out the world. Some places are even being sent to China. Mr. Curtain must think his "improvement" is working just fine.
8. On page 353, Reynie states, "But we are too late! Much, much too late," what is he referring to? Reynie is referring to when he says "but we are too late! Much, much too late," is the whole team lost track of time so they never went back to class. When they first arrived, the executives said if you weren't in class, they would go looking for them. If I was them, I would of been trying to stay calm and not panic to much.
9. Who was the "recruiter" staring up at the window at night? The "recruiter" that was staring at the MBS window at night was Milligan. He was in disguise because he didn't want to get caught, he had to make it look like he worked on the island. The kids could tell it was him form is sad face expression and he wasn't with another recruiter like most recruiters are.
10. Why would he send the message to hurry? They kept sending the message hurry because they absolutely did not want to get caught. Also they had very important news to tell the MBS that could not wait until morning.
11. Why was Milligan on the island? Milligan was on the island because he had come to tell the kids that there mission was over and he was to collect the kids and bring them to safety, they did enough information. If the kids resisted on going, he would stay on the island and keep the children safe.
12. Why wouldn't the kids follow Milligan? The kids knew that they had to stop Mr. Curtain and help get the long lost memories back to the victims of being brainwashed. The MBS knew they couldn't leave, Milligan even send Mr. Benedict didn't know how to stop Mr. Curtain from his schemes so the kids felt like they had to.
13. What was the message that Mr. Benedict sent with Milligan to give to the kids? The message that Mr. Benedict sent with Milligan was: "He said to remind you that every single one of you is essential to the success of the team - that now more than ever, you must rely upon one another in all things." Mr. Benedict knew the children would stay and fight Mr. Curtain, "That is exactly the kind of children they are."
Due Friday, March 23rd Friday, March 23rd Read A Chess Lesson and The Mouse in the Culvert Answer the following questions and make sure that you have part of each question into each answer. Due Monday, March 26th 1. What is Reynie's plan that he refers to on page 364? Reynie's plan that he has is only half it. His first part is to disable the Whisperer, but his second part is missing, he doesn't know how.
2. Why was Reynie so afraid of "betraying?" Reynie is afraid of betraying because he thinks Mr. Curtain will notice what Sticky and Reynie are doing and he will brain sweep them.
3. Why was Reynie doubting himself? Reynie was doubting himself because he felt like he would be over come by the Whisperer. He even starting thinking if that really did happen, he could go over to Mr. Curtain's side and tell Ms. Permual to not talk about the voices and to ignore them.
4. Why was Reynie sending Mr. Benedict a message? Reynie was sending a message to Mr. Benedict because he thought he would give in to the Whisperer, he said it was to strong for himself to handle. He needed advice.
5. What was the message that Mr. Benedict sent back? Mr. Benedict reply to Reynie was: "Remember the white night." It's a message they share between them selves.
6. What did the message mean? In chess, white goes first, in a question it looked like only one piece moved but what happened was the white player made up his mind and started over. Mr. Benedict asked Reynie, "Why do you think he did that?" Reynie thought that maybe he doubted himself and wanted to start fresh. Mr. Benedict is telling Reynie, if he's doubting himself, be the White Knight and start over.
7. How did Kate get into the elevator? Kate went into the elevator so she could hide from Jackson. Also she needed a place to go to see if she could get more clues for the MBS.
8. Why didn't she want to push any of the buttons in the elevator? Kate didn't push any buttons on the elevator because she knew that Jackson would here her and get people to find out who was in the elevator and block all the exits. Kate then knew that if she needed information, she had to climb the elevators cables.
9. How does Mr. Curtain deal with the subject of fear? Mr. Curtain deals with fear by brain-sweeping people memories. The memories won't be totally erased, they will be hidden under other memories. The fears will be hidden.
10. What is Martina's job? Martina's job is to start with the Sweepers. Her job is located in the Memory Terminal.
11. How did Mr. Curtain make sure no one was in the culvert? Mr. Curtain made sure no one was in the culvert by getting hot water and dumping it into the drain were if anyone was to be standing would get splashed by the water. He then sent S.Q. to go get Jackson and go make sure no one comes out of the culvert.
12. What did Kate see in the water that had deceived her? Kate thought she saw a shark from the rocks that are shape jagged like. She then noticed that were rocks and she kept swimming.
Read Pencils, Erasers and Disqualifications Chapter
Answer the following questions on your page
Use complete sentences
1. Describe Reynie
Reyine is a smart child but he's an oddball from the kids is his orphanage. He's an oddball because he doesn't like to watch television or listen to radio, he rather spend his day reading books.
2. On page five, it states that Reynie looked for solitude and freedom from persecution. What does this mean? Use evidence from the text to support your answers.
Reynie looked for solitude and freedom from persecution because at the dinner table, Reyine got picked on for using the word "enjoyable" so he went to his reading room to be alone and so he wouldn't be picked on because no one went into the reading room.
3. Why would Reynie break his pencil in half for someone that he didn't even know?
He broke his pencil for someone he didn't even now because Reyine felt sorry for her because she wouldn't be able to take the test and no one would help her they just said sorry to her. He did what he thought was right.
4. On page 17, it states that Reynie, "felt the weight of loneliness upon him." Why? What happened, use evidence to support your answers.
Reynie felt the weight of loneliness upon him because he helped Rhonda get a pencil so she offered him a thank you by telling him she had the answers and she would give it to him, but he rejected and felt lonely again.
5. Is cheating ever okay? How and why did Reynie resist the temptation?
Cheating is more of an opinion but if you wanted to prove to yourself that you can something you shouldn't cheat. I think you shouldn't cheat because in a way, your letting yourself down, but people can say something different.
6. Why are rules made? Why are those so many rules in chapter one?
Rules are made because you need something to follow or guide you and you have to do it a certain way by a rule. There are so many rules because these tests are to see how talented you really are, the tests aren't fun and games. There are so many rules in chapter one to show you how strict the people are and hard of the tests ans they want to see what children really can go for the special opportunities.
Friday, February 17th
Read Buckets and Spectacles, Squares and Arrows and The Trouble with Children or, Why They are Necessary?
Answer the following questions on your page
Use complete sentences
1. Reynie says he doesn't like television. Do you believe him? Why or why not?
I believe that Reyine doesn't like to watch television because he is a different from the other children, but in a good way. He's different because he would rather spend his day reading and studying highschool textbooks. He seems to be more independent then the other kids and smarter.
2. Why is it important for this team to work together?
It's important for the kids to work together because they all have different skills. Reyine can notice things, like puzzles. Kate can use her bucket supplies to help her get through the mazes and tests that they have assinged them. Then there's Sticky, when he reads anything, it sticks in his brain so his smartness would come in handy along the way.
3. At the beginning of the chapter Rhonda doesn't seem upset at all - why?
Rhonda didn't seem upset in the beginning of the book because she was all part of test to see if you could pass without cheating on it. She was happy to see that Reyine could pass the test without cheating.
4. Describe Kate and Sticky. Who do you think are the protagonist and antagonist of the story so far?
Kate is very headstrong, she can do many things with her handy tools in her bucket. Sticky can remember anything he reads but he is very shy and not very confident but he can be a trusted person. I think the protagonist is Reynie because he's always making things right and he cheers people on. I think the antagonist would be Reynie orphan roommates because they can't except except Reynie for who he is.
1. What is the most important test the children passed in order to be selected?
The most important test the children must of passed was to see if they would cheat on the test in favor of helping Rhonda get her pencil and if they did cheat they wouldn't pass, they should call the test "Are you nice in the heart?"
2. How are they tested?
They are tested to see how they notice things, how they react to things and what skills do they have. They want to see how they can is certain situations know matter what it is.
3. Why doesn’t it seem to matter that all the children solve the problem in a different way?
It seems that it doesn't matter that the children solve problems in different ways because then in a situation if one way doesn't work another will, they can figure out things different ways.
4. What is narcolepsy? How does this affect Mr. Benedict?
Narcolepsy is a symptoms that makes you fall asleep uncontrollably. It affects Mr. Benedict whenever he gets real emotional, like when he laughs or cries.
5, Where is Zambia? Find out two interesting facts about this place.
Zambia is a state in southern Africa. Zambia is a little larger than Texas, it has an area of 752,614 square kilometers. Also cotton is a key crop, it pays a lot to the person who is selling it.
6. Is Bembi a real language?
No, Bembi is not a real language, if you try to look for it in a dictionary, you won't find it in there.
7. Why do you think Mr. Benedict wants this group of children for an important assignment?
Mr. Benedict wants these children for his important assignment because they don't have parents how would say no to them. Also because they are qualified to go out about for the mission from the tests they took.
8. What does the word " vexed" mean and how is it used in these two chapters?
The word "vexed" means annoy and in the last chapter, the pencil woman doesn't give out answers that good and also when Constance joined, she can't be quiet and she "annoys" the people around her.
Great answers Amanda!
Due Monday, February 20th
Monday, February 20th
Read The Sender and The Messenger
Answer the following questions on your page
Use complete sentences
1.With so much in common, Kate, Reynie, Sticky, and Constance still have dissimilar traits.
What are the traits they possess that bring them together?
What brings the children together is how they can comprehend information on what they are given, like Kate and her tools, Reynie can tell if something is a puzzle and notices things easily, Sticky and his intelligence but we are not so sure yet on Constance, but we do know is she says what comes to her mind without thinking.
2. What causes discord among the team members?
The discord among the team is they all figure out things in different ways, they all have different strategies on solving things. Also their personalities are different, Sticky is shy and gets nervous easily, Kate is fearless and bold, Constance is rude and says what she wants to, and Reynie is not shy but not fearless like Kate, so if they were ever in a situation some people might not want to do things like others would.
3. What in their backgrounds and family life is similar? What is dissimilar?
The children backgrounds are similar because they don't have official parents or relatives to look after them. The dissimilar backgrounds is they don't have parents in different ways, Kate's mom died and her dad left her, Reynie's parents died, we don't know all about Constance and Sticky, but Mr. Benedict said the reason why he choose these kids because they don't have parents to tell them "no" that they can't take the assignment.
4. How do the likenesses play a role in their assignment?
The likenesses plays a role in their assignment because they have certain skills to play a role in the mission, like smartness is many ways or that they don't do stuff that others do that would make the others not be able to join the team because of what they do.
Due Wednesday, February 22nd
Wednesday, February 22nd
Read Codes and Histories, The Thing to Come and The Naming of the Crew
Due Tuesday, February 28th
1. Why do you think that Mr. Benedict is telling the children to pay attention to what the Institute doesn't teach?
I think Mr. Benedict is telling the children to pay attention to what the Institute doesn't teach because they can figure out any suspicious activity about the Institute that might stand out and it could help them learn stuff about the area.
2. What is Morse code? Who invented this communication system and what was it used for?
Morse code is a way to communicate with someone with a message that uses dots or dashes from the letters of the alphabet or numbers. It's can now be used with lights. The inventor of the Morse code was Samuel Morse.
3. Mr. Benedict on page 119 states, "Whether you always agree is inconsequential,..." What does this mean? How does this fit into the definition of a team?
The word inconsequential means you might not always agree with each other and that fits the team because they do or solve situations differently from one an other and sometimes they might not agree how to do a situation together and that could cause some problems.
4. When Sticky tells about his background, he says that philanthropists began sending his parents money, what are philanthropists? It also says that Sticky was astonished and mortified - about what?
Philanthropists are people who donate money to people they think are needy and need something to help them and they do so by donating. Sticky was astonished and mortified because he wanted to see how his parents would react to him being missing and in return they were happy he was gone because they were getting so much money from people who thought Sticky was talented and were sorry for their loss.
5. Constance had a breakthrough on page 124, describe this event.
Constance breakthrough was the team was talking that the Morse code should be called the remorse code because they were all in a down mood about there lives, then Constance asked what remorse meant, Sticky answered so she called him George Washington and he asked her to stop so she fled the yard.
6. Milligan has amnesia and wears disguises - why
One day, Milligan woke up, he was chained in place and he couldn't remember anything that happened in the past all he knew is he had to get out. He did escape but sense he didn't remember anything and an enemy saw him that he didn't recognize, he's prepared by wearing a disguise.
7. At the end of the chapter, Milligan couldn't look at the children - why?
Milligan couldn't look at the children because he finished his story about the Sender and the kids were asking if he thought they could stop him and he didn't give them an answer, he probably didn't know what to say at the time so he decided not to answer or he doubted the four kids.
8. What is the "unintended consequence" mentioned on page 135?
The "unintended consequence" is the voices sent from the sender is just a side affect that you would remember.
9. Describe the Sender.
The Sender is someone who is very smart but mysterious in a way. He's smart because he figured out how to use children to send messages to people and mysterious because he can get away with it without people noticing.
10. Why was Reynie doubting his trust for Mr. Benedict?
Reynie was doubting his trust for Mr. Benedict because he didn't want to believe that there was someone sending messages to people from children, it was all so new to him, he didn't want to believe him about the messages.
11. What does the word "forged" mean on page 136?
The word "forged" means to be formed or shaped into something so the children is coming together and being formed as a team together.
12. Again, why do you think that Constance is an important part of the team? Your answer should reflect change from the last time we discussed this.
I Think Constance is an important part of the team because she's not afraid what to say, but sometimes she says things without thinking about what it is she really is saying. She also is fairly tiny, which could become useful, but I don't know for sure. Also Constance can get on people's nerve's because she says stuff which could become useful because then she could make someone get caught off guard.
13. Why is Mr. Benedict commonly found on the floor?
Mr. Benedict is on the floor commonly, especially when no one is in the room with him, is because if he gets strong emotion, he'll fall asleep from his narcolepsy.
14. How could Constance be the key to the team's success?
Constance could be the team's key to success is because she doesn't seem to notice what other people think of her and she doesn't care what she says to people so she's strong and, in away, brave.
15. On page 143, why is Reynie thanking Mr. Benedict?
Reynie is thanking Mr. Benedict because he wanted to thank him giving him an opportunity to do something so special and something that they never be able to do before and he wanted to say thanks for everything he did for them and being honest.
16. What is The Mysterious Benedict Society?
The Mysterious Benedict Society is a name that the four children came up with, sense they are agents they thought they needed names and Constance came up with it, and then walked out of the room like it was the perfect name, which it was.
Tuesday, February 28th
Read Nomansan Island and Traps and Nonsense
Due Thursday, March 1st
Normansan Island
1. How are you enjoying this book so far? What questions do you currently have about this book that you think will be answered as we continue with the book?
Yes, I'm enjoying the book so far because when I'm done with the assigned chapters, I find myself wanting to keep reading. I wonder if any of the team members can interpret the messages from the Sender. I also wonder if Sticky would become a messenger because he is very intelligent so he could be at the top his class.
2. Who are the executives and what is their job? What's the difference between a messenger and an executive?
The executives are the people who show the new students around and introduce the students to people. Also they are in charge of the place. A messenger is a child who sends out the secret messages and they have to be top of their class, were and executive is a person who is in charge and introduces students in their new surroundings.
3. Describe Jackson and Jillson. What do you think their role is in this book?
Jackson and Jillson seem like they are inpatient and have an attitude that's crabby a lot. Also they act around the kids that they don't like waiting for them to answer their questions, they answer it for them. Another detail I have noticed between them is they seem like they have a inside secret about the Institute. I think Jackson and Jillson make sure the children don't wander around and cause trouble and get into anything their not suppose too.
4. On page 160 it states that Kate was, "trying to prove she didn't need anyone's help and this was easiest to believe when she was doing what she was good at." What do you think this means?
What I think Kate is "trying to prove she didn't need anyone's help and this was easiest to believe when she was doing what she was good at" means that she can keep her mind off of being an orphan when she knows shes doing something right and she can enjoy is so she doesn't have to think about her parents leaving her.
5. The end of the chapter ends with a cliff-hanger. What is a cliff-hanger and why it important?
A cliff-hanger is when the author has the chapter end sudden and it leaves you with many questions and you would have to keep reading to get your answers. I think cliff-hangers are important because then you can re-think what just happened and you can then infer what might happen next.
Traps and Nonsense
6. Why do you think there was a trap disguised with a plant on top? Do you think this will be important later in the book? What is that called when an author gives you clues as to what is going to occur further into the book?
I think there was a trap on top of a plant because if someone were to be lurking around in the woods, and they weren't suppose to, they would fall into the pit and get hurt. I think this is important because Mr. Benedict and his staff are always watching in the woods and they might fall into the pit. When a author gives you hints on what's to come later on is foreshadowing.
7. Who are the Helpers?
The Helpers are people who keep the Institute clean and they make food for the students. They don't talk much, unless you ask them questions. After awhile, you wouldn't notice them.
8. On page 166, the phrase "Whatever floats your boat," is an idiom. What is an idiom and what does this phrase mean?
Idiom's are phrases that exaggerates stuff but in a different way, for example: It's raining cats and dogs. "Whatever floats your boat," means that you do what makes you pleased, like what would you put on your boat that keeps you from sinking.
9. What do you think about the Institute having no rules? How is this statement contradicted?
I think about the Institute not having rules means it's more freedom to you but the workers are really seeing how you act to not having anything to follow. This statement is contradicted because you do have to follow a schedule and certain time limits.
10. What is a free market? Why do they have to memorize a chant about the free market?
The free market is were separate businesses can run their business the way they would like to against competitors. They have to memorize a chant about the free market so they can understand it and know what to say when they become messengers.
Vocabulary Words for you to look up:
fate and diminutive size from page 152
arduous from page 164
fate: Fate is the fortune for someone or something, something that is to happen for someone that they can't avoid
diminutive: is the opposite of large or big, it means to be small, tiny or little
arduous: difficult, takes a lot of force
Thursday, March 1st
Read Beware the Gemini
Due Monday, March 5th
Answer the following questions and make sure that you have put part of each question into each answer.
1. On page 174 it states that the new kids always felt "conspicuous," what does this word mean?
The word "conspicuous," means that something or someone is very easy to read or something about them is noticeable.
2. What are the "recruiters" and "Institute scouts" that they are referring to?
The "recruiters" and "Institute scouts" that they are referring to is men in suites and Reynie thinks that these men kidnap children.
3. What clues are mentioned in the book that might suggest that the new arrivals might have been kidnapped? Use text evidence in your answer.
In the book, it shows that the new arrivals might of been kidnapped because there face expressions looked "dazed" and they looked to be unhappy and not excited as the others kids seemed to be filled with joy.
4. Describe Mr. Curtain.
Mr. Curtain uses children for his own use, he makes you scared of him and he acts like you knows all about you when he might not. He has evil schemes about sending messages to other people by using children.
5. Could Mr. Curtain and Mr. Benedict be the same person?
Mr. Curtain and Mr. Benedict can not be the same person because otherwise Mr.Curtain would have recognized the four team members in the get together. Also in a Morse code message they got, it said that one might like someone you know but it's not them. Also they have two different personalities. Mr. Benedict is easy to be around, he likes children, and he seems like he knows you in a comforting way. Mr. Curtain uses children for his own use, he makes you scared of him and he acts like you knows all about you.
6. Why would everything be backwards at the institute? What might their reasons for this be?
At the Institute, everything is backwards because it can make something harder to notice, it's not obvious. Also it's a different way of showing things.
7. What does the word "sasquatch" mean that is mentioned on page 179?
The word "sasquatch" because Kate was joking around saying that the executive S.Q. means "sasquatch," maybe because he's a bigger person.
8. What is a cryptic message and why would this be important?
A cryptic message is a message that needs to be solved and it can be puzzling. This is important because then if anyone were to see the message, it would be hard for them to solve it unless if they heard the first part.
9. On page 184 it states, "As is always the case with a society, some arguing remained to be done." Is this true and why might this be important to all societies?
This is true because then you can here some other peoples ideas to solve a situation but it might not be done in the most proper way.
10. What is "gemini" and why is this word important to this chapter?
According to Reynie in a simple form is it's your zodiac sign from when your born and the Gemini sign is a twin.
Monday, March 5th
Read Lessons Learned and People and Places to be Avoided
Answer the following questions and make sure that you have put part of each question into each answer.
Due Wednesday, March 7th
1. Why do you think that no mirrors can be found at the Institute?
There are no mirrors in the Institute because if someone who just got brain washed and looked at themselves in the mirror, they might get their memory back and then they would tell people and Mr. Curtain does not want that to happen.
2. Find the idiom on page 188 and explain what it means.
The idiom on this page is "a stitch in time saves nine" this means that if you want something to get done, do it. Don't hold it off! That's what you would do with a whole in clothing, you don't want it to get worse.
3. What do you think of the statement, found on page 189, "Because it was impossible, in the end, to protect yourself from anything - no matter how hard you tried - it was important to try as hard as you could to protect yourself from everything." What does it mean in the story and what does it mean in life?
This means, in the book, that you should be prepared for anything and if you try to avoid something, it will happen. In life, this means you can't avoid everything it will happen but try your hardest to get through with it.
4. Why would SQ say she was "astounded or astonished" when Sticky and Reynie had received perfect scores? Why would this upset Martina?
S.Q. said she was "astounded or astonished" when Sticky and Reynie had received perfect scores because they were new to the school and she was very impressed to see how they had gotten such perfect scores. Martina got upset about this because she is a messenger and when someone gets perfect scores, they can get higher then her and take away her special privileges.
5. What lessons had the kids learned in this chapter? What would this chapter be named, "Lessons Learned?"
The lesson learned in this chapter is stay away from Martina and that they learned more about the Institute.
People and Places to be Avoided
6. The Helpers "averted" their eyes and had a "constant show of deference," why and what does this mean?
The Helpers made sure not to make eye contact with the students and they were making sure that they followed the orders of Mr. Curtain of not socializing with children. They were doing there orders very well, in a polite way.
7. Why do you think that Mr. Curtain often was looking toward the bridge and off into the distance?
I think Mr. Curtain often gazes toward the bridge because it brings him memories, allows him to think and see what's going on on the bridge.
8. On page 201 it says that the corridor erupted into a "cacophony," what does this mean?
A "cacophony" means a harsh and loud sound. This happened when Corliss got sent to the waiting room, and when he left the corridor, everyone was talking about it.
9. Why wouldn't the students want to go to the Waiting Room? Use text evidence to support your answer.
After Corliss left, some students started crying when they heard the two words: Waiting Room, this must mean it's a terrible place were no one wanted to go. Maybe there is something, like a rumor, about the waiting room that gets everyone talking about it.
Wednesday, March 7th
Read Logical Conclusions and Miscalculations and Poison Apples/Poison Worms and A Surprising Suggestion
Answer the following questions and make sure that you have part of each question into each answer.
Due Friday, March 9th
1. What does the simile "his eyelids felt heavy as anvils" mean?
The simile means that when when you get tired, it's harder for you to keep your eyes open and it seems like your eyes start to close on themself. Your eyelids feel like there are weights on top and they're trying to close.
2. On page 210, Jackson stated, "You can say whatever you like when you have permission, right now no one has permission." What is he referring to?
On page 210 Jackson is referring to that some children were talking without being called on as there permission so some students, Sticky, tried to explained what happened but Jackson told him that he didn't have permission.
3. On page 211, Sticky could feel the "malice," what does this mean?
Sticky felt malice on him because he knew Martina was looking at him and the word "malice" means to want to cause harm.
4. Why is this chapter called Logical Conclusions and Miscalculations?
During the Institue drills, the executives say that there drills have "Logical Conclusions." The "Miscaculations" part to it is Jackson blamed Sticky for stuff he didn't do.
5. How does fruit fit in with the discussion of taxes, war, health, the justice system.....?
Fruit can relate to the justice system, taxes, war and health because it look nice and perfect on the outside but on the inside it could be a mess or poisonous on the inside.
6. The symbol poison apples, poison worms refers to what?
Poison apples, poison worms refers to the last question on taxes, war, health and the justice system.
7. Reynie looked at the literal meaning of being poisoned, was he wrong? Explain your reasoning.
Yes, Reynie was wrong because he thought Martina had told the Helpers to poison the MBS food but it was just the drill and it was in the hidden messages.
8. On page 216, it states that, "Most of us will simple feel irritable and confused." Have you heard this before? Where and what were they referring to?
Yes, I have heard "Most of us will simple feel irritable and confused," Mr. Benedict had told the children that when a hidden message goes out, the kids will feel that way until the message is over.
9. Mr. Benedict told the children that their love for the truth will protect them, what does this mean?
Mr.Benedict means that when a hidden message goes out, they will feel frustrated but it won't affect them after and they won't believe the messages. Also they will be good students and get a lot of information quickly.
10. Why can Constance hear the Messenger's voice?
I feel like Constance has some troubles with emotions so she's sensitive and cranky a lot so she can hear the messages rather than just feeling them.
11. Explain the response the children got from the mainland on page 219.
The message they got was a riddle again. The riddle meant that they were short on time to get information so they needed to become messengers fast and in order to do that, they needed the girls scores to improve. To make the girls scores to improve they had to cheat. To make sure, they asked if they should cheat and in response, "Do not get caught."
12. Why is it so important that the children become Messengers as quickly as possible?
Mr. Benedict thought that the team had more to time to get information but he was wrong. He needed them to become messengers fast so they could get information on the Institute.
13. What does the word "evasively" mean at the bottom of page 222?
The word "evasively" means to avoid and at that moment Kate was avoiding to get into a fight with Constance.
14. Why couldn't Charlie explain about the special privileges?
Charlie couldn't explain his special privileges because he said he didn't remember it, it was foggy to him and he didn't know what happened. Sticky and Reynie thought that he might of been brainwashed.
Friday, March 9th
Read Tests and Invitations and Everything as it Should Be
Answer the following questions and make sure that you have part of each question into each answer.
Due Monday, March 12th
1. Why was Reynie jealous?
Reynie was jealous because when the new messenger list went out, he wasn't on the list and he thought he was doing so well and he was for sure he would make it on the list but he wasn't and he felt very envy to get onto the list. He also wanted to know what the special privileges were like that all the messengers loved.
2. On page 236, it says that Mr. Curtain rolled his chair almost "imperceptibly", what does this mean?
The word "imperceptibly" means very slightly and Mr. Curtain was moving towards Reynie very slightly but very close to him.
3. "If you don't trust them, keep them close." What does this mean and why would Reynie say this statement?
"If you don't trust them, keep them close," means that if you don't trust someone you should give them a chance and see who they are, see how they act. Reynie said this because Mr. Curtain was getting very suspicious about Constance so Reynie knew he had to protect her and he came up with "If you don't trust them, keep them close."
4. What is a sense of "deja vu?" (page 238)
The sense of "deja vu" is when you feel like you have seen a moment before and something seems very familiar.
5. "Control is always the key." What is this supposed to mean?
Control is the key because if you don't have it, things don't go the way you plan, it goes probably the opposite way. To have control means everything goes the way you want.
Monday, March 12th
Read Of Families Lost and Found and Tactical Caciupi
Answer the following questions and make sure that you have part of each question into each answer.
Due Wednesday, March 14th
1. Why is this chapter called Of Families Lost and Found?
This chapter is called Of Families Lost and Found because because Reynie felt like he lost his family but in the end, he gained with his close friendship with the MBS.
2. On page 254, it states, "What has been lost may yet be found, Have hope." What does this message from the mainland mean?
Mr. Benedict sended that message and he was saying from the information the team got out of Mr. Curtain journal could still be proved. Also that memories from the brain washed victims could still have a chance on getting there memories back.
3. Respond to Reynie's idea of what a family might be all about, "I have no experience, but well, is this what family is like? The feeling that everyone's connected, that with one piece missing the whole thing's broken?"
Reynie's explanation is right, if someone leaves or dies in a family, it feels open and and broken not a satisfying feeling and it takes along to time to fix the feeling. Yet some people never do. The way I would say it is, what's a glass without a bottom, it leaks?
4. On page 257, it, "family is often born of blood, but it doesn't depend on blood." What does this mean?
The way I think of it is you have brother and sisters that were born in the same family. But then you have someone who acts like a brother or sister, but yet, they weren't born in the family, their not blood related. Sometimes people refer to their best-friend as a long lost sister or brother.
5. What was the cliff hanger in the chapter Of Families Lost and Found?
The cliff-hanger in this chapter was when Reynie had an idea to look into Mr. Curtain's journal without taking it.
6. Why do you think that family is such an important theme that is woven in and out of almost each chapter?
Family is important in these chapters because all the kids were abandoned in their lives and now they all are growing a strong relationship between each other like a family would do.
7. What does "Tactical Caciupi" mean and why would the author name this chapter that title?
"Tactical Caciupi" means something to do with a plan like Reynie had. His plan was to get into Mr. Curtain's book.
8. Why would Mr. Curtain say that one of his biggest accomplishments would be the invention of his tidal turbines? Explain what these are and how might they be used on the island.
The tidal turbines was his source of the Institutes that he runs. Without them, there would be no way to run all of his Institutes without the turbines.
9. What was Kate using her spy glass/kaleidoscope for?
Kate was using her spy glass/kaleidoscope to look into Mr. Curtain's journal to see whats inside.
10. Knowing Sticky's talents, what do you think he is being used for when it comes to the journal?
Sticky was used to look in the journal because he remembers everything so when he looked he could just tell the team members later.
11. On page 267, the first entry is read and one part states, "There is no such thing as perfect control. I have come to understand, however, that the illusion of perfect control can amount to the same thing." What does this mean and what implications might this have on the story?
Mr. Curtain knows he can't have complete control over someone but by lying he can trick who ever he has control over them. Mr. Curtain's type of control is power.
12. How can you have an illusion of control?
An illusion of control could work by brain sweeping and then tricking the person that you are the ruler.
13. Explain "brainsweeping."
Brain sweeping is when you take away someones memory of an event or their whole memory. Some how they could get it back though.
14. Why aren't the special recruits every scared?
The special recruits aren't scared because they can't remember what happened to them so they just go with the flow. They have been brain washed.
15. What do you think the "improvement" is that they are talking about on page 270?
I think the improvement is when Mr. Curtain will boost up the hidden messages to full power and everyone will here it.
16. What do you think his message on page 272 means?
I think his message means one of his brain washing sangs to the Helpers, so they will listen to him.
Wednesday, March 14th
Read Caught in the Act and The Waiting Room
Answer the following questions and make sure that you have part of each question into each answer.
Due Friday, March 16th
1. Why is this chapter called, "Caught in the Act?"
This chapter is called "Caught in the Act" because Jillison saw Sticky rubbing his ears and tapping his fingers so she suspected that he was cheating. Sticky got caught cheating.
2. On page 277 it says, "precipice." What does this mean and how is it used in the sentence?
The word "precipice means a situation of danger or loss. In the sentence it's used on how Reynie feels about Sticky going to the Waiting Room.
3. Why were Reynie, Kate and Constance trying to climb the wall?
Reynie, Kate and Constance were trying to climb the wall because they were wondering what the executives were doing in the gym and why wouldn't they let the kids come in.
4. Again, it mentions the "improvement." Any clues as to what this might be?
The "improvement" seems to be when Mr. Curtain sends out his messages at full blast and he won't be needing as much executives anymore.
5. On page 282, the word "ominous" is used. What does this word mean and how is it used in the sentence?
The word "ominous" means to do so with harm. It's used in the sentence as an adjective when the recruiters and executives were trying to get out the back door but they couldn't, so they banged on it with harmful force.
The Waiting Room
6. Describe Sticky as he came out of the Waiting Room.
When Sticky came out of the waiting room, he was covered in mud and slimy and disgusting bugs! He smelled of a awful odor. He seemed to be very sad but still angry at the same time.
7. Why wouldn't Sticky talk after he came out?
I think Sticky didn't talk when he came out because he was very upset from being sent to a horrible place (no one should ever be sent to a place like that). He also seemed stunned, almost as if he was reliving the moment again and again.
8. List the main characters and what they have to offer to a "team." Why might this be important to the rest of the book?
(Reynie, Constance, Kate and Sticky)
The main characters in the book are Reynie, Constance, Kate, Sticky, Mr. Benedict and Mr. Curtain. Reynie is important to the team because he's intelligent and a strong leader. Constance can be good at moments because she can be very stubborn. Kate is bold and energetic and she is very handy with her surroundings. Sticky can remember everything he sees. Mr. Benedict is the one who started the team together and make them act like a family. Mr. Curtain seems to keep the team together because they all want to destroy him.
9. What was the main idea for this chapter? Give two supporting details.
One of the main ideas in this chapter is how the kids act like a family. I believe this is true because when Sticky came back to the room form the Waiting Room, Reynie wanted to comfort him. Another main idea is how the team can still stay focused. Even after what they have been through, when Sticky came back, Reynie had another plan.
Friday, March 16th
Read Punishments and Promotions and Half a Riddle
Answer the following questions and make sure that you have part of each question into each answer.
Due Monday, March 19th
1. What was the dilemma that Sticky was facing with Mr. Curtain? What would you have done?
The dilemma that Sticky and Mr. Curtain had was Sticky had to confess on cheating on the test but he made it seem like he was forced to cheat by Martina and not give out the MBS. Sense Reynie told Sticky a plan, I would of done what the plan was because I wouldn't want to hurt my friends and make sure I wouldn't blow the whole mission.
2. State Mr. Curtain's view on the idea of "control."
Mr. Curtain's type of control is power. He likes to make sure everything he does is down so you don't have any control, brain sweeping, lying, etc.
3. Why do you think that Sticky got off the hook for cheating and Reynie got off the hook for lying?
I think Sticky and Reynie got off the hook for what they have done is because Mr. Curtain must think that something good comes out of them so he's going to let them stay and no punishment for them.
4, On page 304 it states that Martina's face, "shone with malevolence," what does this mean and how does that apply to this sentence?
The word "malevolence" means she wants to do or show harm towards the students at the Institute. This fits in the sentence because she will think the other students will be jealous of her new job and now she will be cruel to the students who diss obey her.
5. Why would Martina be promoted to Executive? Give reasons and your thinking as to why.
He would promote Martina to an Executive because Reynie told him, if you don't trust them, keep them close. Now MR. Curtain can watch over her and make sure she's close to him.
6. What does it mean when Mr. Curtain says that the "best way of dealing with those you don't trust is to keep them close." Reynie said this and now so has Mr. Curtain - what do you think this means for the both of them?
I think "best way of dealing with those you don't trust is to keep them close," means between Reynie and Mr. Curtain is that he can trust Reynie and he likes his ideas.
7. Why did Mr. Curtain make Sticky and Reynie messengers?
I think Sticky and Reynie are Messengers because Mr. Curtain sees something in the boys he doesn't see in other students. This is because they ace all the tests when they just got to the Institute, he probably thinks there something special about them.Any other reasons, make sure we talk about this one as a group. YES!! I'm changing it but I'm keeping the old. Mr. Curtain made Reynie and Sticky messengers because he doesn't trust them. One day four new students come on the same day, all very close, strange right? Two of the four are acing all the tests. Mr. Curtain introduces to one of the children who aces all their tests, Reynie, that Constance (one of the new students who is close to Reynie and Sticky) that she is harder to trust. Reynie then tells them, if you don't trust them keep them close, that must make MR. Curtain suspicious about the four kids so he makes it so they become messengers because he doesn't trust them.
8. The coded message read:
With open eyes now you may find
A place you must exit to enter.
Where one ----
What do you think this message might mean? Give reasons for your thinking.
I think it means they have left behind being students (exiting an old job) and now there messengers (entering a whole new place) but it might be hard to handle, it could be a tip of some sort.
Monday, March 19th
Read The Whisperer and Open Sesame
Answer the following questions and make sure that you have part of each question into each answer.
Due Wednesday, March 21st
1. At the beginning of the chapter, Reynie has a dream. What do you think the dream means?
I think the dream means that Reynie really misses Ms. Perumal. He also doesn't like the way he gets treated by the Executives at the Institute and he might even be scared to face The Whisperer.
2. On page 314, it states that Reynie and Sticky shook hands "resolutely," what does this mean and how does it fit into the sentence?
When Stick and Reynie shook hands "resolutely" it means they shook hands firmly.
3. On page 315, Jackson refers to Sticky or George as "dimwitted," what does this mean and how does it fit into the sentence?
Jackson refereed to Sticky (George) as "dimwitted" because Sticky wanted to know what about their classes. Jackson told him the classes are for training for the Whisperer, lessons. He called him "dimwitted" because he thought it was obvious that that's why they had classes.
4. Why couldn't the boys know the way to the Whispering Gallery?
The boys couldn't know the way to the Whispering Gallery because then they could go there when ever they felt like it. They could ruin something or figure out something about it that they are not supposed to know about.
5. Describe the Whispering Gallery.
The Whispering Gallery is very large, but on the inside, it doesn't have much detail to it. It had only a single desk, two resting cushions to lay on after your session and an odd looking machine. According to Reynie's point of view, he says the odd looking machine looks like an old hair dryer with two helmets: one red one blue.
6. On page 317, it states that the Whispering Gallery is so "austere," what does this mean?
The word austere means strict and the Whispering Gallery is just that. There is nothing fancy about the gallery, and Mr. Curtain reason is for security.
7. Again the idea of control comes up over and over, why?
The idea of MR. Curtain's control is power. He thinks when his improvement is unleashed, he will have power over everyone.
8. Describe what The Whispering can do and not do.
The Whisper makes you "fills you with an astonishing sense of well-being." It takes away your fears, like a parent when you have nightmares. (I think that this affects Reynie most because he never had parents to run to so now he some place to be comforted.) The Whisper cannot force you into anything or demand you to do something, it's job is to relax you not force you to anything.
9. On page 319, when Renyie states that, "They go down easier, like candy rather than medicine." What is he talking about?
Reynie is referring to the Whisper on how someone would rather have candy then medicine. It's not scary or hard to through, you might even enjoy it.
10. On page 319 it refers to "inputting data," what is this?
Mr. Curtain was talking about how he is giving information to peoples minds that he finds is important for people to know and it's all about there improvement. Mr. Curtain is really just broadcasting the messages.
11. On page 321, it states, "poison apples, poison worms," again - now what is this referring to? Why is this phrase repeated throughout the book?
This is referring to how some things and subjects can look all polished but on the inside, it's all messy and tricky on the inside. That is how Mr. Curtain runs his Institute, he lies to make you think he's smart and the go to guy when it's all a trick.
12. On the last page of The Whisperer" it ends with Sticky saying, "Not being wanted, not being wanted at all," what was the question?
The question what do you fear most. Sticky must mean when he over heard his parents saying they were better off with out him and he felt unwanted.
13. Why didn't Reynie want to sit and eat with the rest of the messengers? What excuse did he give the messenger?
Reynie didn't sit with the other messengers because he had a lot of news to discuss with the MBS. He said to them that he had the flu and he didn't want to get the other messengers sick.
14. On page 333, when Constance says that Reynie is "on," what does this mean?
Constance means that Reynie Whisper session is being broadcasted right that moment. Which that means Mr. Curtain is recording his sessions...... It goes right in with the Improvement.
15. How do we know that Mr. Curtain will be done with the Messengers after "the Improvement?"
We know that Mr. Curtain will be done with Messengers for the Improvement because now Mr. Curtain can record the sessions so now he doesn't need to keep having sessions, he can send the messages over and over whenever he wants to. The more the book goes on, the more info Mr. Curtain gets about his "Whisper."
16. What are the clues about the trap?
The clues are all about the rules. "Don't go off the paths" which means they want you to go off the paths so you can't find anything about the Institute because to get into the control building is on the paths, the boulders are on the paths.
17. How did the kids figure out the code?
S. Q. left a note saying "LOSE the new code? Turn OVER for new code!" Reynie noticed that the LOSE and OVER was a hint that you had to turn the paper upside down. Then the letters LOSE spell out the numbers 3507. That was suppose to be S. Q. way of being "clever."
Wednesday, March 21st
Read Practice Makes Perfect and Know Thine Enemy
Answer the following questions and make sure that you have part of each question into each answer.
Due Friday, March 23rd
1. Why is this chapter called "Practice Makes Perfect?"
The chapter is called "Practice makes Perfect" because they all had to act fast to not get caught by Mr. Curtain when they were looking for clues. They have been in these situations a lot so they know what they all are doing as a team.
2. Why would the government press releases be dated for the future?
Mr. Curtain has made these press releases dated to the future because this is what he thinks people are going to think of him when the "Improvement" comes out.
3. What does the article and page 346/347 mean?
Mr. Curtain has made that article to honor himself and he feels like people will follow that on how he proposed himself to the world. He thinks that his Whisperer machine will help him go famous.
4. Why would Mr. Curtain want to create fear in everyone?
Mr. Curtain wants to create fear in everyone because then he have them come over, tryout his "Whisper." When the person who has the fear will no longer have that fear when they are sitting in the "Whisper's" seat, they will feel comforted. Then that person will think Mr. Curtain is the greatest man alive. Mr. Curtain is creating an illusion.
5. Why would Mr. Curtain want to put together an Amnesia Sanctuary?
Mr. Curtain would put together an Amnesia Sanctuary because it would be his "cover up" if anyone comes to his Institute and saw the Whisperer, he would brain sweep them.
6. Why is this chapter called, "Know Thine Enemy?"
The chapter is called "Know Thine Enemy" because Mr. Benedict sent a message saying "Know Thine Enemy" because he had sent Milligan for the kids. They referred Milligan as an enemy because he was dressed up as a recruiter which are the teams enemies because they work badly for the Institute. Mr. Curtain has sent the MBS a friend in disguise.
7. What is the "memory terminal?"
The "memory terminal" is a place filled with Whisperer parts so he could send it through out the world. Some places are even being sent to China. Mr. Curtain must think his "improvement" is working just fine.
8. On page 353, Reynie states, "But we are too late! Much, much too late," what is he referring to?
Reynie is referring to when he says "but we are too late! Much, much too late," is the whole team lost track of time so they never went back to class. When they first arrived, the executives said if you weren't in class, they would go looking for them. If I was them, I would of been trying to stay calm and not panic to much.
9. Who was the "recruiter" staring up at the window at night?
The "recruiter" that was staring at the MBS window at night was Milligan. He was in disguise because he didn't want to get caught, he had to make it look like he worked on the island. The kids could tell it was him form is sad face expression and he wasn't with another recruiter like most recruiters are.
10. Why would he send the message to hurry?
They kept sending the message hurry because they absolutely did not want to get caught. Also they had very important news to tell the MBS that could not wait until morning.
11. Why was Milligan on the island?
Milligan was on the island because he had come to tell the kids that there mission was over and he was to collect the kids and bring them to safety, they did enough information. If the kids resisted on going, he would stay on the island and keep the children safe.
12. Why wouldn't the kids follow Milligan?
The kids knew that they had to stop Mr. Curtain and help get the long lost memories back to the victims of being brainwashed. The MBS knew they couldn't leave, Milligan even send Mr. Benedict didn't know how to stop Mr. Curtain from his schemes so the kids felt like they had to.
13. What was the message that Mr. Benedict sent with Milligan to give to the kids?
The message that Mr. Benedict sent with Milligan was: "He said to remind you that every single one of you is essential to the success of the team - that now more than ever, you must rely upon one another in all things." Mr. Benedict knew the children would stay and fight Mr. Curtain, "That is exactly the kind of children they are."
Due Friday, March 23rd
Friday, March 23rd
Read A Chess Lesson and The Mouse in the Culvert
Answer the following questions and make sure that you have part of each question into each answer.
Due Monday, March 26th
1. What is Reynie's plan that he refers to on page 364?
Reynie's plan that he has is only half it. His first part is to disable the Whisperer, but his second part is missing, he doesn't know how.
2. Why was Reynie so afraid of "betraying?"
Reynie is afraid of betraying because he thinks Mr. Curtain will notice what Sticky and Reynie are doing and he will brain sweep them.
3. Why was Reynie doubting himself?
Reynie was doubting himself because he felt like he would be over come by the Whisperer. He even starting thinking if that really did happen, he could go over to Mr. Curtain's side and tell Ms. Permual to not talk about the voices and to ignore them.
4. Why was Reynie sending Mr. Benedict a message?
Reynie was sending a message to Mr. Benedict because he thought he would give in to the Whisperer, he said it was to strong for himself to handle. He needed advice.
5. What was the message that Mr. Benedict sent back?
Mr. Benedict reply to Reynie was: "Remember the white night." It's a message they share between them selves.
6. What did the message mean?
In chess, white goes first, in a question it looked like only one piece moved but what happened was the white player made up his mind and started over. Mr. Benedict asked Reynie, "Why do you think he did that?" Reynie thought that maybe he doubted himself and wanted to start fresh. Mr. Benedict is telling Reynie, if he's doubting himself, be the White Knight and start over.
7. How did Kate get into the elevator?
Kate went into the elevator so she could hide from Jackson. Also she needed a place to go to see if she could get more clues for the MBS.
8. Why didn't she want to push any of the buttons in the elevator?
Kate didn't push any buttons on the elevator because she knew that Jackson would here her and get people to find out who was in the elevator and block all the exits. Kate then knew that if she needed information, she had to climb the elevators cables.
9. How does Mr. Curtain deal with the subject of fear?
Mr. Curtain deals with fear by brain-sweeping people memories. The memories won't be totally erased, they will be hidden under other memories. The fears will be hidden.
10. What is Martina's job?
Martina's job is to start with the Sweepers. Her job is located in the Memory Terminal.
11. How did Mr. Curtain make sure no one was in the culvert?
Mr. Curtain made sure no one was in the culvert by getting hot water and dumping it into the drain were if anyone was to be standing would get splashed by the water. He then sent S.Q. to go get Jackson and go make sure no one comes out of the culvert.
12. What did Kate see in the water that had deceived her?
Kate thought she saw a shark from the rocks that are shape jagged like. She then noticed that were rocks and she kept swimming.